A vascular intervention device delivery system includes a catheter with a proximal end attached to a handle, and a distal carrier segment for mounting a vascular intervention device thereon. A retractable sheath is movable from a first position covering the distal carrier segment to a second position retracted proximally uncovering the distal carrier segment. A pull is attached to the retractable sheath and extends proximally from the retractable sheath toward the handle. A majority of the length of the pull has a cross sectional shape with a concave side that faces the longitudinal axis and is opposite to a convex side that faces away from the longitudinal axis. The cross sectional shape has a width that is greater than a thickness.

A vascular intervention device delivery system includes a catheter with a proximal end attached to a handle, and a distal carrier segment for mounting a vascular intervention device thereon. A retractable sheath is movable from a first position covering the distal carrier segment to a second position retracted proximally uncovering the distal carrier segment. A pull is attached to the retractable sheath and extends proximally from the retractable sheath toward the handle. A majority of the length of the pull has a cross sectional shape with a concave side that faces the longitudinal axis and is opposite to a convex side that faces away from the longitudinal axis. The cross sectional shape has a width that is greater than a thickness.

A bioartificial device, such as a bioartificial pancreas, for implantation in a patient's vascular system. The bioartificial pancreas includes a scaffold adapted to engage an interior wall of a blood vessel, a cellular complex support by the scaffold and extending longitudinally within the interior cavity of the scaffold so as to be exposed to the blood flow when the scaffold is engaged with the blood vessel, the cellular complex support comprising one or more pockets bordered by thin film; and cellular complex comprising pancreatic islets disposed in the one or more pockets, the thin film being adapted to permit oxygen and glucose to diffuse from flowing blood into the one or more pockets at a rate sufficient to support the viability of the islets. The invention also includes methods of making and using a bioartificial pancreas.

A lubricated tubular graft is implanted in the inferior vena cava and the superior vena cava in order to control the inflow of blood to the right atrium. A bifurcated leg with a non-collapsing stent extends across the tricuspid valve. A bioprosthetic valve is positioned proximal of the stent in the bifurcated leg in order to regulate flow through the tricuspid valve and to eliminate tricuspid regurgitation.

A lubricated tubular graft is implanted in the inferior vena cava and the superior vena cava in order to control the inflow of blood to the right atrium. A bifurcated leg with a non-collapsing stent extends across the tricuspid valve. A bioprosthetic valve is positioned proximal of the stent in the bifurcated leg in order to regulate flow through the tricuspid valve and to eliminate tricuspid regurgitation.

Systems and methods for the manufacture of an hourglass shaped stent-graft assembly comprising an hourglass shaped stent, graft layers, and an assembly mandrel having an hourglass shaped mandrel portion. Hourglass shaped stent may have superelastic and self-expanding properties. Hourglass shaped stent may be encapsulated using hourglass shaped mandrel assembly coupled to a dilatation mandrel used for depositing graft layers upon hourglass shaped mandrel assembly. Hourglass shaped mandrel assembly may have removably coupled conical portions. The stent-graft assembly may be compressed and heated to form a monolithic layer of biocompatible material. Encapsulated hourglass shaped stents may be used to treat subjects suffering from heart failure by implanting the encapsulated stent securely in the atrial septum to allow blood flow from the left atrium to the right atrium when blood pressure in the left atrium exceeds that on the right atrium. The encapsulated stents may also be used to treat pulmonary hypertension.

Systems and methods for the manufacture of an hourglass shaped stent-graft assembly comprising an hourglass shaped stent, graft layers, and an assembly mandrel having an hourglass shaped mandrel portion. Hourglass shaped stent may have superelastic and self-expanding properties. Hourglass shaped stent may be encapsulated using hourglass shaped mandrel assembly coupled to a dilatation mandrel used for depositing graft layers upon hourglass shaped mandrel assembly. Hourglass shaped mandrel assembly may have removably coupled conical portions. The stent-graft assembly may be compressed and heated to form a monolithic layer of biocompatible material. Encapsulated hourglass shaped stents may be used to treat subjects suffering from heart failure by implanting the encapsulated stent securely in the atrial septum to allow blood flow from the left atrium to the right atrium when blood pressure in the left atrium exceeds that on the right atrium. The encapsulated stents may also be used to treat pulmonary hypertension.

A method of connecting an expansion ring to at least one end of a braided implant, the method including positioning the braided implant about a tube; everting an end portion of the braided implant over a first end of the tube; assembling an expansion ring to the braided implant, the expansion ring being a multi-leaved expansion ring comprising clips terminating with an open-ended coupling opening, wherein the openings are pushed over a set of intersecting wires of the braided implant at respective circumferential locations on or adjacent the first end of the tube; closing the openings over the set of intersecting wire; trimming ends of the braided implant; and reversing eversion of the braided implant thereby positioning the expansion ring internal to the braided implant.

A method of connecting an expansion ring to at least one end of a braided implant, the method including positioning the braided implant about a tube; everting an end portion of the braided implant over a first end of the tube; assembling an expansion ring to the braided implant, the expansion ring being a multi-leaved expansion ring comprising clips terminating with an open-ended coupling opening, wherein the openings are pushed over a set of intersecting wires of the braided implant at respective circumferential locations on or adjacent the first end of the tube; closing the openings over the set of intersecting wire; trimming ends of the braided implant; and reversing eversion of the braided implant thereby positioning the expansion ring internal to the braided implant.

A scaffold includes a radiopaque marker connected to a strut. The marker is retained within the strut by a head at one or both ends. The marker is attached to the strut by a process that includes forming a rivet from a radiopaque bead and attaching the rivet to the marker including deforming the rivet to enhance resistance to dislodgement during crimping or balloon expansion. The strut has a thickness of about 100 microns.